Ideas are arguably the most valuable asset in an information-based economy. But how do you find the best ideas - the kind that can boost careers, change organizations, and ramp up the value of projects? Why do some people seem to come up with these ideas whenever they need them? In this myth-busting audio book, the authors reveal that great business ideas do not spring from innate creativity, or necessarily from the minds of brilliant people.

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Publisher's Summary

"Breakaway ideas come to those who are in the habit of looking for them." -from the Introduction

Ideas are arguably the most valuable asset in an information-based economy. But how do you find the best ideas - the kind that can boost careers, change organizations, and ramp up the value of projects? Why do some people seem to come up with these ideas whenever they need them?

In this myth-busting audio book, the authors reveal that great business ideas do not spring from innate creativity, or necessarily from the minds of brilliant people. High-value ideas come to those who are in the habit of looking for such ideas - all around them, all the time. These are the Idea Hunters…who do not buy into the notion that the only great idea is a pristinely original one. They understand that game-changing ideas are already out there, waiting to be spotted and shaped into an innovation. The authors present an eclectic band of Idea Hunters, including Thomas Edison, Mary Kay Ash, Walt Disney, Warren Buffett, Apple's Phil Schiller, and the leaders of Twitter, Pixar Animation Studios, and the Boston Beer Company, and unveil a strategy for unearthing new ideas in any industry or organization. It is a must-have resource for anyone who wants to tap into the successful business ideas that are just waiting to be rediscovered.

What the Critics Say

"Humans make progress by discovering new ideas, but also, importantly, by repurposing the ones that already exist. Boynton and Fischer show how each of us can get better at this critical skill - identifying and reapplying existing ideas." (Paul Romer, senior fellow, Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research)

The most disappointing thing about this book was the repetition of examples. For a book purporting to be about finding ideas, the author seems only have a handful of sources for ideas. I stopped reading the book midway through chapter 4 when AGAIN the author started a walk down the Apple's work on innovating the the iPod click wheel interface. Again. Disney and Edison also appear to be the only other primary inspirations for ideas.

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Somewhat. Many other writers and researcher present this information better (more accurately and more comprehensively) in various other venues. Yet, it's nice to have it collected here.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

It's not a novel, so the ending isn't some big fireworks!

What didn’t you like about Sean Pratt’s performance?

Far too tedious. The rhythm is slow. The pause between each sentence is too long and put me asleep. The reading lacks energy, passion, variation. The reader sounds lethargic and not interested. The reading was so dreadful that I will avoid audiobooks by this reader (unless the previews sound livelier and more involved).

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